Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock (4th from left, Greens) stands alongside those involved in the “Sister Agnes” project, as well as residents of a residence for the elderly to which the “Sister Agnes” project belongs. /image alliance, Michael Bahlo
Schönefeld – Green Party politician Annalena Baerbock sees an elderly care project developed by four communities in Brandenburg based on the model of the GDR film “Sister Agnes” as a model for other places.
“This is the absolute added value that it is not just about medical support, but that it is about things where we really need someone to hold our hand, companionship for life”, said the Minister of Foreign Affairs , who is now a member of the Green Party in the Bundestag Visited the “Care in Network” project in Schönefeld. “This is particularly important today, when our society is increasingly older.”
The communities of Eichwalde, Schönefeld, Zeuthen and Schulzendorf (Dahme-Spreewald district) have been implementing the project together for two years. There are currently four care coordinators to help seniors and family caregivers with care and home care. According to Baerbock, so far they have supported around 1,000 seniors in their daily lives.
The project is based on the film “Sister Agnes” by Defa – because the service coordinators drive a blue motorcycle like in the film, but now with an electric drive. Baerbock said it was a “great lighthouse project that many other communities in Brandenburg will certainly follow.”
It is supported by the Brandenburg Ministry of Health and Consumer Protection. State Secretary for Consumer Protection Antje Töpfer said: “I hope this beacon radiates to Brandenburg.”
In Brandenburg there is also the “Agnes Two” program, which refers to the GDR community sisters system. According to the ministry, their work goes beyond the project in the four communities.
They ease the burden on doctors by coordinating appointments between specialists and family doctors and nursing services, making home visits, monitoring home care and medications, and supporting relatives. According to the Association of Statutory Health Insurance Practitioners (KVBB), there are 140 such experts in Brandenburg. © dpa/aerzteblatt.de